Phillies Urged to Consider Bo Bichette as Upgrade Over Alec Bohm
The Philadelphia Phillies may need to make a change at third base, as Alec Bohm has struggled significantly to start the season. In his first 127 at-bats, Bohm has managed just a 47 OPS+—well below the league average of 100—and has posted a walk rate of only 2.3%.
Jon Conahan of Athlon Sports suggests that the Phillies should pursue Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette as a potential upgrade. Although Bichette has spent his career at shortstop, Conahan believes the Phillies could consider moving him to third base, a position he hasn’t played professionally.
Bichette, a two-time All-Star, could be available as the Blue Jays reorganize their roster following Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s massive $500 million contract extension. If Toronto is open to trading Bichette, the Phillies would likely be among the interested teams.
Statistically, Bichette is off to a solid start this season, batting .284 with a league-average OPS+ of 100 through 141 at-bats. Compared to Bohm’s current output, Bichette would offer an immediate improvement.
Bichette is in the final year of a three-year contract and is owed the remainder of his $17.583 million salary. Despite the cost, the Phillies might look to sign him to a long-term extension. If Bichette is open to switching positions, Conahan argues he would be an ideal long-term replacement for Bohm.
